DILI, 15 April 2025 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta, awarded Medals of Merit and Certificates of Commendation to Timorese athletes and coaches who participated in the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). The awards were conferred through a decree law signed by President Ramos-Horta on April 8, 2025.
On behalf of President Horta, the Chief of Staff of the Presidency of the Republic of Timor-Leste, Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes, presented the honors at an official ceremony held at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace. The recipients included 5 representatives from the Timor-Leste National Sports Confederation (CDTL), 32 athletes who competed in Boxing, Shorinji Kempo, Karate-do, and Taekwondo, and 15 coaches who guided these athletes to success.
The Medal of Merit recognizes the outstanding achievements of Timorese athletes who represented Timor-Leste in international sports competitions and delivered exceptional results for the nation.
The following representatives from the Timor-Leste Sports Confederation (CDTL) received the Medal of Merit:
- Macário Floriano Sanches, Representative of the Timor-Leste Sports Confederation
- Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, Representative of the Shorinji Kempo Modality
- João José Fernandes, Representative of the Boxing Modality
- Filomeno Soares de Araújo, Representative of the Karate-do Modality
- Gabriel J. M. F. de Jesus da Costa, Representative of the Taekwondo Modality
The six Gold Medal athletes from the Shorinji Kempo discipline who received the Medal of Merit are:
- António Manuel
- Brígida Nívia M.L. Savio
- Julianto Pereira
- Silviana de Jesus Carvalho
- Dorceyana Borges
- Lola Caldas da Silva da Costa
Additionally, twenty-six athletes and fifteen coaches received Certificates of Commendation for their outstanding contributions and achievements.
In the President’s speech, delivered by the Chief of Staff, Horta stated: “Our athletes are ambassadors of Timor-Leste on the global stage. These Merit Medals honor not just athletic excellence, but your embodiment of our national spirit. Through your dedication and dignity in competition, you show the world who we are as a people. Sports unites us across differences and inspires our youth to dream boldly as we build a Timor-Leste where athletic achievement strengthens national unity and peace.”
The ceremony represents the nation’s gratitude for these athletes. Through their dedication, discipline, and achievement, they have raised Timor-Leste’s flag high and demonstrated the indomitable spirit of the Timorese people. Their accomplishments reflect the nation’s growing strength and determination on the world stage, serving as an inspiration to all Timorese citizens as the country continues to build its young democracy.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
